Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-12-24
Water for n Thirsty Ghost.

THE STORY OF YOUNG ARTIST WHO WAS LOST IN
LAKE MICHIGAN.
From the Chicago Tribune.
clifford Byron Baumgrass, the subject OF the
following thrilling incident narrated by Sault Ste.
Marie paper, was the son of Prof. p. and Mary
Baumgrass the well-known Chicago artists He
was born in Washington, ID. c., and came to Chi
cago two years ago to be with his parents. He was
young man OF unusual promise and high gifts.
Contrasting strong principles OF virtue with
marked gentleness Of character, he was admired
by all and beloved by those who knew him WELL
His word could be relied upon. He was rapidly
progressing In his sudies in the hope OF becoming
a sculptor. Young Baumgrass lert Chicago in
August for the Sault St. Marie, where he spent a
part OF last summer He fingered longer than
was expected, knowing that there was no neces-
slty for his immediate return. His parents had,
however, looked anXiousiy for him many days,
leave the Inflated steamer Vernon. Letters and
dispatches failed to reach him TO stay him from
his purpose, and the aching hearts OF parents and
friends have only this cold fact to cling to-that
fathoms deep beneath the waves OF Lake Michigan
lies the beloved form in the cold arms OF death.
The story told by the Sault Ste. Marie paper is
this:
"A startling story, full authenticated, comes to
US from the Middle NeebiSh and vicinity, which in
its details and realistic incidents would furnish a
chapter for volume on spooks and COLLINS. AS
the story is told so 1t is given, but while we can
vouch for the reliability OF the report each reader
is left to draw his own conclusions as to the
causes
"A young sculptor from Chicago, clifford Byron
Baumgrass by name, has been spending the Sum-
mer In the vicinity OF the Sailors Encampment,
making his home with family on St. Josephs
Island. He spends his time in hunting and fishing.
try ng TO regain lost health and strength. About
ten days ago he was hunting on Middle Neebisn.
near the old Cadotte homestead, whereon Is the
old dilapldated. long since deserted loghouse in
which old Jean Bapuste Cadotte died several years
ago. 1t has been unoccupied for years and Is
nearly mile dist mt from any other house on the
island and practically uninhabited. While stroll
Ing near the nut he was almost paralyzed wit fear
by hearing grOans issuing from the chamber or
garnet OF the building. His first Inclination TO fly
being overcome and suppoSins that some suffering
fisherman or hunter had taken refuge there, ne
entered the house and asked who was there and
what he wanted.
"sFor Gods sake get me drink. I'm dying for a
drink. replied the voice OF person in the greatest
apparent agony.
.swhat Will | get 1t in?' inquired Baumgrass,
after an Intellectual search for drinking utensiL
"'There is pail just outside the door in the
entry; get IL In that, came from above; and In
Heavens name hurry; I'm choking
"The young Nimrod quickly procured the water
from the river near by, returned 10 the novel; went
upstairs. ana looked for the dying man. He could
see no one.
"swhere are your he asked.
"'Rght here In the next ROOM was the word.
entering the adjoining apartment he saw
nothing whatever. The rays OF the setting sun
dimly lighted UP the room, plainly showing that IL
was unIenanted, and had not been occupied for
months Dropping the pail on the floor be fed.
made his way TO HIS boarding place. told the story,
and expressed an intention 70 take the first boat
to his home. His friends laughed at him, and
finally the next day they accompanied him TO the
old house, but nothing was heard or seen that
threw the faintest light on the mystery.
several days afterward, his courage having re-
vived, he repeated his visit at midday, this time
alone. The incidents or the previous sensation
were repeated. The cries and groans were heard,
coupled with demand for water, and search re-
yedled nothing and no one as before. II is still
mystery. Does the ghost or old Cadotte cry out
for water to quench a never-ending thirst?"